Mokena Library Board Delays Tax Levy Vote, Cites Need for Future Renovation Funds

Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025

Article Summary
The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees has postponed a decision on its tentative tax levy, opting to revise the proposed figures after a detailed discussion about the long-term financial health of the library. The debate centered on whether to levy the maximum allowable amount to build a larger reserve fund in anticipation of future renovation and expansion projects.

Mokena Library Tax Levy Key Points:

• The board reviewed Resolution 372-2025, the first step in the annual tax levy process.

• Board President Joseph Cirelli questioned whether the library should request the maximum allowable levy amount.

• Trustee Camille Gonzalez-Jensen suggested that building a larger reserve fund could be better explained to the community in the context of future renovation plans.

• Executive Director Cathy Palmer will revise the levy figures and bring the resolution back to the board at its next meeting.

MOKENA, Il. – The Mokena Community Public Library District board is taking a second look at its tentative tax levy amount after a robust discussion during its September 23 meeting. Trustees decided to hold off on approving the initial levy determination resolution, tasking Executive Director Cathy Palmer with revising the figures to better align with the library’s long-term strategic goals.

The conversation began when the board reviewed Resolution 372-2025, which establishes the tentative levy amount for the upcoming year. Board President Joseph Cirelli opened the debate by questioning whether the district should request the maximum allowable tax revenue.

The discussion quickly turned to the library’s future needs. Trustee Camille Gonzalez-Jensen connected the idea of a higher levy to the library’s long-term master plan, which had been paused in August due to high costs. She inquired “whether the community is aware of the library’s future renovation plans, as that knowledge could help explain the purpose of maintaining a larger reserve fund.”

Following further discussion on the potential financial impact of levying a lower amount, the board reached a consensus to reconsider the numbers. Palmer stated she would revise the figures and bring the resolution back for another vote at the next board meeting, effectively delaying the first step in the annual levy process to ensure the final request aligns with the board’s vision for the library’s future.